Lionel Messi

For some, Messi is the best player in football history. What is not in doubt is that he regularly performs feats other players cannot do, partly thanks to a lower centre of gravity.

Full name

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Date of birth

24 June 1987

Place of birth

Rosario, Argentina

Position

Forward

It is true that “La Pulga” (“the Flea”) accumulates records with no less than 125 records broken or tied in 2013 including four Ballon d’Or won in a row (2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012), three European Golden Shoes (2010, 2012 and 2013), number of goals scored in a championship (50 in 2011-12) and sole author of five goals in a game in the Champions League.

It is his vision of the game and his footballing genius which differentiates Messi.

Despite all his achievements, he still lacks a World Cup with Argentina (losing finalist in 2014).

World Player Ranking

World Player Ranking

The World Player Ranking is a ranking system for men's international association football players. A points system is used which awards points for every international match, domestic and international honours.

Click below to see players from the top 50 by nationality or position: